While greenhouses generally increase productivity, high greenhouse temperatures are a problem in the Caribbean and other hot climate regions. Recently, developments in protected agriculture practices for tropical and arid climates have allowed some nations to expand their food production. However, many existing greenhouse operations lack proper adaptation to their respective environments. To address this issue, Lucas McCartney and Dr. Mark Lefsrud from McGill University’s Department of Bioresource Engineering have developed and patented a new greenhouse cooling system specifically designed for hot and/or humid climates.
Lucas McCartney in a 450 m2 NVAC greenhouse in St-James, Barbados
The technology
“Our technology is an improved natural ventilation greenhouse based on structurally supported airflow and evaporative cooling-dependent temperature and humidity control”, explains Lucas McCartney. “The NVAC greenhouse relies on an alternative roof and misting system design to provide cooling and air movement. The misting line functions at relatively low pressures and uses water sourced through rainwater harvesting. With an increase in relative humidity within optimal limits, air cooling of up to 5ºC and increased airflow in the order of 1 m∙s-1 is possible in the tropics, all the while preventing water droplets from reaching the plants.” Better cooling is possible in less humid regions. This cooling effect in the NVAC greenhouse is accomplished without the need for active ventilation solutions such as the use of fans or cooling pads.
A schematic section of the greenhouse showing the concept behind the NVAC greenhouse design. The added roof on the inside combined with a misting system use natural ventilation to provide cooling and air movement throughout the greenhouse with cool air movement at the plant level.
Applications
The NVAC greenhouse design can be constructed as a stand-alone structure or it can be retrofitted to the walls and roof of an existing greenhouse structure. In both cases, the combination of the roof structure and the misting system create a cooling air flow without involving additional equipment. The design is applicable year-round in hot climate regions, or during warm months of temperate and continental climates.
In numerous regions, including tropical areas such as the Caribbean, passive ventilation and cooling measures are recommended over active methods as they are simple and economically viable. The NVAC greenhouse design remains accessible to growers in all regions due to its low cost, ease of access and low energy use.
Advantages
- The alternative-design misting system cools the air and provides air movement
- Humidity remains within optimal range; water droplets never reach the crop
- Increased yields and access to crop varieties otherwise not suited for hot climates
- Ease of use, installation and maintenance with minimal energy needs
- Can be used with existing greenhouse structures through retrofitting
- Patent applications in suitable jurisdictions
NVAC prototype in 2016 at the Macdonald Campus of McGill University in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
Seeking commercial collaboration
Since 2012, the technology has been rigorously tested and developed in several prototypes in both temperate and tropical climates. Currently, Mr. McCartney and Dr. Lefsrud are actively seeking collaboration to commercially develop the NVAC greenhouse design.
In the eventuality of a collaboration, McGill offers a license to a greenhouse cooling and air movement system which is inherent to the roof structure of the greenhouse itself. It is an improvement to currently used natural ventilation and evaporative cooling systems. While originally conceptualized for tropical regions, this cooling and ventilation system offers benefits for greenhouses in tropical, arid, continental and temperate climates.
For more information:
Lucas McCartney
21,111 Lakeshore
McGill University
Department of Bioresource Engineering
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
Canada
lucas.mccartney@mail.mcgill.ca
nvactropicalgreenhouse.weebly.com